History Teachers, Postsecondary Salary Guide 2025: $83,820 Median, -0.2% Growth
History teachers at the college level earn a median $83,820 per year, according to the latest Bureau of Labor Statistics data. The top 10% pull in over $162,000, while the bottom 10% make under $48,410. With only 18,790 jobs nationwide and projected decline, this is a competitive field with clear regional pay differences.
How much History Teachers, Postsecondary earn
The national median salary for postsecondary history teachers is $83,820, with a mean of $96,580 — roughly $40 per hour. Pay varies widely: the 10th percentile earns $48,410, while the 90th percentile earns $162,160.
- Median annual wage: $83,820
- Mean annual wage: $96,580
- Hourly mean: about $40
- 10th percentile: $48,410
- 90th percentile: $162,160
Pay by state
California tops the list at $127,170 average annual wage. Other high-paying states include New Hampshire ($106,880), Massachusetts ($104,900), Oregon ($104,330), and Connecticut ($101,950).
At the lower end, Mississippi averages $63,450, Nebraska $57,150, and Arkansas $47,860 — nearly $80,000 less than California.
- Highest: California ($127,170)
- New Hampshire ($106,880)
- Massachusetts ($104,900)
- Oregon ($104,330)
- Connecticut ($101,950)
- Lowest: Arkansas ($47,860)
- Nebraska ($57,150)
- Mississippi ($63,450)
How to become History Teachers, Postsecondary
Most postsecondary history teachers need a Ph.D. in history or a closely related field. A master’s degree may suffice at community colleges. The path typically includes: earn a bachelor’s in history, complete a master’s and then a Ph.D. (5-7 years), and gain teaching experience as a graduate assistant. Some colleges require published research.
Licensing is not typically required for college teaching, unlike K-12. Postsecondary teaching jobs are competitive; publication record and networking matter.
- Earn a bachelor's degree in history
- Complete a master's degree (1-2 years)
- Earn a Ph.D. in history (5-7 years total after bachelor's)
- Gain teaching experience as a graduate teaching assistant
- Publish research and attend conferences
- Apply for tenure-track or adjunct positions
Job outlook
Employment of history teachers at the college level is projected to shrink by 0.2% from 2024 to 2034. That's essentially flat, but with about 1,700 openings per year, mostly due to retirements and turnover. Competition for tenure-track roles is strong, especially at universities; community colleges may have more opportunities.
Frequently asked questions
What is the salary for history teachers postsecondary?
The national median salary is $83,820 per year, with a mean of $96,580. The top 10% earn over $162,160.
How do you become a postsecondary history teacher?
Most positions require a Ph.D. in history. The typical path is a bachelor's in history, a master's, then a Ph.D. Teaching experience as a graduate assistant and published research are important.
Is the job growth for history teachers postsecondary positive?
No, it's projected to decline by 0.2% from 2024 to 2034, with about 1,700 openings per year due to turnover.
Which state pays postsecondary history teachers the most?
California, with an average wage of $127,170. New Hampshire, Massachusetts, Oregon, and Connecticut also pay above $100,000.
Salary figures are U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics estimates (OEWS / Employment Projections). For informational purposes only; not career or financial advice. See the full History Teachers, Postsecondary data.